Stiffener for a hat&#39;s brim

ABSTRACT

A winged visor stiffener for a hat&#39;s brim. A flat horizontal front section is connected to two angled offset sections. Two flat horizontal wings are connected to the two angled offset sections. Two temple brace sections are each formed into the two flat horizontal wings. The temple brace sections function to brace the winged visor against the wearer&#39;s head to prevent the brim from flopping up and down, The winged visor stiffener is sewn into the hat&#39;s brim via a plurality of rows of tight stitching. The winged visor stiffener provides protection to the wearer&#39;s face from the sun while optimizing peripheral vision and prevents the bill from flopping up or down in wet and windy conditions.

The present invention relates to hats and caps, and in particular, to hat and cap visors.

The present invention is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,972, filed on Aug. 21, 2018; which is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of Ser. No. 15/341,802 filed Nov. 2, 2016; which is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/096,905, filed Dec. 4, 2013, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hats, caps and other head coverings are well known and have existed for many centuries. There are many styles and types of hats. Some are designed for warmth and some are designed for fashion. A primary reason for the wearing of hat is to provide protection from the sun. With the increase of skin cancers and sun related skin problems it is essential to protect the skin. A hat with a very wide brim, such as a sombrero, provides excellent protection from the sun. However, the sombrero is a very large hat and is not very fashionable or practical in modern society. Smaller hats with smaller brims are easier to wear but do not provide optimum protection.

FIG. 1 shows a woman wearing a prior art hat 50. Hat 50 is a soft hat and is comfortable. However, it includes a brim that does not provide optimum protection from the sun for windy or wet conditions. If the brim of hat 50 were to get wet it could begin to droop and could cause loss of vision. Also, in windy conditions the brim could flop up and down, exposing the wearer's face.

What is needed is a hat with an improved stiffener to form a better brim that resists drooping and flopping up and down in wet and windy conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a winged visor stiffener for a hat's brim. A flat horizontal front section is connected to two angled offset sections. Two flat horizontal wings are connected to the two angled offset sections. Two temple brace sections are each formed into the two flat horizontal wings. The temple brace sections function to brace the winged visor against the wearer's head to prevent the brim from flopping up and down, The winged visor stiffener is sewn into the hat's brim via a plurality of rows of tight stitching. The winged visor stiffener provides protection to the wearer's face from the sun while optimizing peripheral vision and prevents the bill from flopping up or down in wet and windy conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art hat.

FIGS. 2-4 show a preferred winged visor.

FIG. 5 shows a winged visor as a stiffener.

FIGS. 6-7 show a winged visor sewn into the bill of a ball cap.

FIGS. 8-9 show a winged visor sewn into the brim of a wide brim hat.

FIGS. 10-11 show a winged visor sewn into the brim of a visor.

FIG. 12 shows a protection range of a preferred winged visor.

FIG. 13 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14-16 show a preferred eyelet.

FIGS. 17-18 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 19-23 show a preferred removable chin strap.

FIGS. 24-29 show methods of connecting a preferred removable chins strap.

FIG. 30-32 show another preferred eyelet.

FIGS. 33-35 show another preferred eyelet.

FIGS. 36-37 b show another preferred winged visor.

FIG. 38 shows a preferred winged visor sewn into a hat's bill.

FIG. 39 shows preferred stitching.

FIGS. 40-41 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 42-44 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 45-47 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 shows a preferred hat utilizing a wire mesh screen eyelet for ventilation.

FIG. 49 shows a preferred hat with the chin strap removed.

FIG. 50 shows a preferred stiffener.

FIG. 51 shows a preferred hat with stiffener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 2-4 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Winged visor 2 has been cut from a flat sheet of strong, thin bendable plastic in the preferred shape shown in FIG. 3. Winged visor 2 is then bent along creases 5 (FIG. 4) to obtain the shape shown in FIG. 2. Winged visor 2 includes a curved front section 4 and side wings 3. Winged visor 2 provides for an increased range of protection from the sun (FIG. 12). Also, because wings 3 are horizontal they do not interfere with the peripheral vision of the wearer. Also, winged visor 2 prevents a hat's brim from flopping up or down in wet and windy conditions.

In a preferred embodiment, winged visor 2 is utilized as a stiffener for the bill of a ball cap, visor or hat. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 winged visor 2 is sewn into bill material 6 by utilization of thread 7 to form a stiffener for the bill. Winged visor 2 retains its shape after being sewn into the bill to provide optimum sun protection in wet and windy conditions.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a preferred ball cap 8. Ball cap 8 includes winged visor 2. Wings 3 of winged visor 2 provide additional protection from the sun in wet and windy conditions while also allowing for increased viewing for the wearer. Additionally, curved section 4 allows for optimum viewing forward.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a preferred wide brim hat 9. Wide brim hat 9 includes winged visor 2. Wings 3 of winged visor 2 provide additional protection from the sun in wet and windy conditions while also allowing for increased viewing for the wearer. Additionally, curved section 4 allows for optimum viewing forward. Soft, flexible fabric of brim 10 is kept away from the wearer's face by wings 3.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a preferred visor 11. Visor 11 with head band 12 includes winged visor 2. Wings 3 of winged visor 2 provide additional protection from the sun while also allowing for increased viewing for the wearer. Additionally, curved section 4 allows for optimum viewing forward.

FIGS. 13, 17-18 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Wide brim hat 20 includes winged visor 2 sewn into the brim 21. Hat 20 includes crown adjustment strap 22 that can be tightened or loosened to adjust the pressure on the wearer's head. Hat 20 also includes eyelets 23 to allow for increased ventilation and comfort to the wearer. Removable chin strap 24 is inserted through brim 21 as shown.

FIGS. 14-16 show a front view, side view and top view of a preferred eyelet 23. Preferably four eyelets 23 are sewn into crown 25 of hat 20. Eyelet 23 includes mesh fabric 26 partially covered by plastic cover 27. Plastic cover 27 is rigidly connected to elliptical plastic frame 50. Mesh fabric 26 allows for good ventilation while also keeping sun rays, unwanted insects and debris from entering the hat.

FIGS. 30-32 show preferred eyelet 60. Eyelet 60 includes a ventilation opening bordered by elliptical plastic frame 61 and partially covered by plastic cover 62. Plastic cover 62 is rigidly connected to elliptical plastic frame 61. The ventilation opening allows for good ventilation while plastic cover 62 functions to keep sun rays, unwanted insects and debris from entering the hat.

FIGS. 33-35 show preferred eyelet 70. Eyelet 70 is similar to eyelet 60 except that plastic cover 72 is curved at its bottom. Eyelet 70 includes a ventilation opening bordered by elliptical plastic frame 71 and partially covered by plastic cover 72. Plastic cover 72 is rigidly connected to elliptical plastic frame 71. The ventilation opening allows for good ventilation while plastic cover 72 functions to keep sun rays, unwanted insects and debris from entering the hat.

FIG. 19 shows slot 30 sewn into brim 21. Slot 30 allows for the insertion of plastic end piece 31 of removable chin strap 24. Strap 32 is connected to end pieces 31 and is threaded though strap position lock device 33. Also, strap 32 is threaded through alligator clip 34 as shown. Alligator clip 34 allows for chin strap 24 to function as a leash. For example, the wearer can attach alligator clip 34 to clothing he is wearing to prevent hat 20 from being blown away.

FIGS. 42-44 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Chin strap 24 utilizes strap position lock device 33 b. Strap position lock device 33 b is preferably a spring-loaded stop cord lock capable of locking its position at a desired location along chin strap 24. Also, chin strap 24 utilizes attachment clip 34 b. Attachment clip 34 b is preferably a spring hook clip that is preferably fabricated from plastic or metal. Spring hook clips are also commonly referred to as hook clips, clip hooks, snap hooks and spring hooks.

FIGS. 24, 27 and 28 show removable chin strap 24 in its normal position attached to hat 20. It should also be noted that the strap can be attached in many other ways, including military style, lanyard style. Additionally, the strap can be removed altogether.

In FIG. 26 chin strap 24 has been moved from its position in FIG. 24 and repositioned so that it rests on the rear portion of brim 21 and out of the way of the wearer.

In FIG. 25 chin strap 24 has been removed and the reinstalled so that end pieces 31 are inserted through slots 30 (FIG. 19) and are underneath brim 21. Chin strap 24 has been positioned so that it rests on the rear portion of brim 21 and out of the way of the wearer.

In FIG. 29 chin strap 24 has been removed and the reinstalled so that end pieces 31 are inserted through slots 30 (FIG. 19) and are underneath brim 21. Chin strap 24 runs over the top of brim 21 so that the side area of brim 21 presses downward towards the wearer's ears to provide increased ear protection for the wearer.

Other Preferred Embodiment

A perspective view of winged visor 202 is shown in FIG. 36, a front view of winged visor 202 is shown in FIG. 37 and a top view of winged visor 202 is shown in FIG. 37 b.

Winged visor 202 has been formed in a mold so that it is in the preferred shape shown in FIGS. 36 and 37. In a preferred embodiment, winged visor 2 includes a front section 210, two angled offset sections 211, and two side wings 212. In one preferred embodiment, back side wing edge 265 is approximately at least 3 inches to provide optimum sun protection. In another preferred embodiment back side wing edge 265 is approximately 2 1/2 inches. This length may be further varied depending upon the preference of the user. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 36-37 b, prior to being sewn into brim 215 of hat 220, front section 210 is slightly curved.

Plastic bendable winged visor 202 is then sewn into brim 215 of hat 220 using thread 230 (FIGS. 38 and 39). FIG. 38 shows a top view of winged visor 202 sewn into brim 215. Upper brim cloth section 215U is shown covering winged visor 202. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 38, there are eight rows of tight stitching 230 sewing together winged visor 202, upper brim cloth section 215U and lower brim cloth section 215L. In other preferred embodiments, the number of rows of stitching may be more or less depending upon the preferences of the user. As shown in FIG. 38, winged visor 202 only is sewn into the section of brim 215 that is meant to prevent flopping up or down in front of the user's face. At the rear part of brim 215 upper brim cloth section 215U is sewn directly adjacent to lower brim cloth section 215L with nothing between.

As shown in FIG. 39, winged visor 202 is sandwiched between upper brim cloth section 215U and lower brim cloth section 215L. After being sewn into brim 215, the tight stitching of thread 230 causes the two side wings 212 and the front section 210 to flatten out and become horizontal (FIG. 40), providing optimum protection for the user and for preventing the brim from flopping up and down in front of the user's face.

As shown in FIG. 40 horizontal wings 212 are roughly parallel to the horizon when worn flush on a user's head. Front flat section 210 is also roughly parallel to the horizon when worn on a user's head. Front flat horizontal section 210 and horizontal wings 212 provide optimum comfort and protection to the user's face and prevents brim 215 from flopping up or down. Angled offset sections 211 connect front flat section 210 to horizontal wings 212 as shown.

After being sewn into brim 215, winged visor 202 provides for an increased range of protection from the sun. Also, because wings 212 are flat and horizontal they do not interfere with the peripheral vision of the wearer and also prevent brim 215 from flopping up or down. Flattened front section 210 provides better shade for the user's eyes and face. Angled offset sections 211 provides for optimum connections to flat horizontal side wings 212. A perspective view of hat 220 with visor 202 sewn into brim 215 is shown in FIG. 41.

Explanation of Operation of Winged Visor Stability Functionality

FIG. 50 shows a top view of winged visor 202. When being worn, horizontal wings 212 extend rearward so that they are positioned approximately adjacent to the wearer's temples. For example, FIG. 50 shows horizontal wings 212 having temple brace sections 312. Temple brace sections 312 provide increased stability for winged visor 202 while it is being worn.

FIG. 51 shows hat 220 with winged visor 202 being worn on a wearer's head. As shown, temple brace sections 312 are positioned adjacent the wearer's head near the wearer's temples. The area of brim 215 adjacent winged visor 202 is very stable. Temple brace sections 312 are braced against the wearer's temples. This prevents unwanted flopping or drooping motion from winged visor 202. Therefore, the wearer should feel confident and comfortable wearing hat 220 in windy or wet conditions and should feel assured that winged visor 202 will not droop or flop.

Locker Loop

FIG. 45 shows a bottom view of a preferred hat 220. Locker loop 173 is sewn onto the bottom side of brim 215 using threads 174, as shown.

In FIG. 46, the wearer has removed removable chin strap 24 from brim 215 by pulling end pieces 31 through slots 30 (FIG. 47) of brim 215. The wearer has slid spring loaded position lock device 33 down towards end pieces 31 to create a lanyard. The wearer has then utilized clip hook 34 b to connect chin strap 24 to locker loop 173, as shown in FIG. 46.

Screen Ventilation

FIG. 48 shows hat 220 utilizing a round wire screen eyelet for ventilation. Other forms of ventilation may be utilized, such as a laser cut eyelet for ventilation.

FIG. 49 shows hat 220 with no chin strap attached. Some wearers may prefer to remove the chin strap. The chin strap by pulling end pieces 31 through slots 30. The chin strap may be set aside or placed in a pocket for safe keeping.

While the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, the reader should consider these described embodiments only as particular embodiments. Many other embodiments are possible. For example, even though FIG. 13 shows eyelets 23 in combination with visor 2 and removable chin strap 24, it should be understood that each of these items could be used independently on a variety of hat types. Eyelets 23 could be sewn into the crown of any hat and removable chin strap 24 could be applied to the brim of any hat. Also, winged visor 2 may be used in any sort of hat having a brim or a bill, including (but not limited to) ball caps, wide brim hats, and a variety of soft brimmed sun hats and other hats. Therefore, the reader should determine the scope of the present invention by the claims and their legal equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A winged visor stiffener for a hat's brim, comprising: A. a flat horizontal front section, B. two angled offset sections connected to said flat front section, C. two flat horizontal wings, each said flat horizontal wing connected to one of said angled offset sections, D. two temple brace sections, each temple brace section formed into one of said two flat horizontal wings, wherein each said temple brace section functions to brace said winged visor against the wearer's head to prevent said brim from flopping up and down, wherein said winged visor stiffener is sewn into said brim via a plurality of rows of tight stitching and wherein said winged visor stiffener provides protection to the wearer's face, optimizes peripheral vision, and prevents said brim from flopping up and down.
 2. The winged visor stiffener as in claim 1, wherein said winged visor is a fabricated from flexible, bendable thin plastic.
 3. The winged visor stiffener as in claim 1, wherein said flat horizontal front section is initially curved but becomes flat and horizontal after being sewn into said brim and wherein said two flat horizontal wings are initially tilted but become flat and horizontal after being sewn into said brim.
 4. The winged visor stiffener as in claim 1, wherein each of said two flat horizontal wings comprises a back side wing edge that is at least 2 inches in length, wherein said back side wing is connected to said temple brace section.
 5. The winged visor stiffener as in claim 1, wherein said winged visor is sewn into the bill of ball cap.
 6. The winged visor stiffener as in claim 1, wherein said winged visor is sewn into the brim of a wide brim hat.
 7. The winged visor stiffener as in claim 1, wherein said winged visor is sewn into the bill of a visor. 